Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Infodemiology
Date Submitted: Jun 2, 2022
Date Accepted: Jun 14, 2023
YouTube Videos on Nutrition and Dental Caries: A Content Analysis
ABSTRACT
Background:
Dental caries is the most common health condition worldwide and nutrition and dental caries have a strong interconnected relationship. Foods and eating behaviours can be both harmful (e.g., sugar) and healthful (e.g., meal spacing) regarding dental caries. YouTube is a popular source for the public to access information.
Objective:
The objective of this study was to analyze the content of YouTube videos regarding nutrition and dental caries.
Methods:
Six searches of YouTube were conducted using keywords regarding nutrition and dental caries; the first 20 videos were selected from each search. Video content was scored (17 possible points) based on inclusion of information regarding various foods and behaviours that impact dental caries risk.
Results:
Forty-two videos were included. Most videos were posted by or featured oral health professionals (n=24; 57.1%); only one video featured a dietitian. The mean nutrition and dental content score was 4.9/17 points. Sugar was the most consistent topic mentioned (>70% of videos); no other topics were mentioned in >50% of videos. Some videos contained nutrition misinformation.
Conclusions:
Overall, the analyzed videos had low scores regarding nutrition and dental caries content. This study provides insight into messaging available on nutrition and dental caries for the public and insight on how to make improvements in this area.
Citation
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Copyright
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